Which way to America for Grosjean

Romain Grosjean has admitted that he has never been to the USA ahead of F1's return to the country next weekend.

Grosjean made his F1 début in 2009 - two years after F1's most recent race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

"I’ve never been to the USA before, not even for a shopping trip to New York! It’s going to be a new experience in many ways. In actual fact, I did try to make a quick visit after the Canadian Grand Prix but there wasn’t time in the end. I’m sure it will be a big journey of discovery for me; a new country, a new culture and of course of a new race track which is always something I like to experience", he said.

Grosjean added that F1 could learn from NASCAR in terms of putting on a show for fans.

"NASCAR is of course very famous, and I think we can learn things from the show that it puts on for all the fans, as it’s very impressive. The Indianapolis 500 is another event that everybody knows too. I hope that all the fans we meet in Austin are as enthusiastic as seen at these other events".

Lotus third driver Jerome d'Ambrosio took part in the opening of the circuit last month and Grosjean added that he has spoken with the Belgian about the track.

"I’ve spoken to Jérôme so I have a little idea of what to expect. On top of that I’ve worked with simulations of the track, and it’s easy for me to play Xbox when I am travelling so I can get an idea from that too. I don’t think it will be the easiest circuit to learn and there are a few fast corners which look like they will be a challenge. The first corner certainly looks to be good fun."

Grosjean also believes that Kimi Raikkonen's victory in Abu Dhabi will give Lotus a boost ahead of the last two race weekends of the season.

"It was unbelievable for the team. It had looked as if the chance of a win was escaping from us, but we’ve kept pushing and the top step was a fantastic reward. Kimi did a fantastic job. The car is there and although this race wasn’t the one we were expecting to win, we did. Hopefully the good results continue, starting in Austin".